The train Yantar’ is arriving at the railway station. So, are we in Kaliningrad or in Kenigsberg? The railway station is German. We’ve seen it in the film ” Seventeen moments of spring” And at the by-station is a monument to M. I. Kalinin. Where are we? Prussian city Kenigsberg was founded September 2, 1255 and in 2005 we celebrated 750 years from the day of its foundation. In April 9, 1945 the Soviet Army took control of the city and in July 4,1946 the name was changed to Kaliningrad. So, is it a Russian or a German city? Let’s find it out. Let’s walk along almost well preserved Kutuzova, Nahimova, Ogareva, Shillera streets of Oktyabr’skogo and Central areas. They are the same like old Drezden streets. As for our famous Zoo it doesn’t look like a Russian one. As wellas a sculpture of oxen in front of the technical University. If we at in maritime school in Litovskiy Val, we’ll remember books and films about gestapo.
Under one of Kaliningrad bridges you can hardly notice a small brick building with a tower where there is a city collector but it is the oldest building in the city which was built in the 14 th century. The Cathedral is German too and the most famous philosopher I. Kant was buried there. A lot of trees, gardens were left by German people. Everything made of red brick is left by German people. If we try to communicate with people in the street – we also hear German language in response. A lot of people don’t speak this language, so there are many signs in English language. There are a lot of shops in every building as in the West. Many buildings are dull and grey. So what, is there anything Russian? Of course not.
German church was redecorated and now we can see not less fascinating puppet theatre. Inside also there is a good Art History Museum. As to the fort near the Verkhnee lake, it was redecorated too and in December 29,1979 here was opened one of the most interesting museum of Amber in the world. Also there are a lot of monuments in Kaliningrad. One should pay attention to monuments: I. Kant, A. Pushkin, Vasilevskiy etc. And our unusual drama theartre, it’s marvelous. There is a museum in the theatre. You can hardly see anywhere but in Kaliningrad such a talented artist as our Yuriy Fursov. Only in Kaliningrad port you can see famous ship ” Kruzenshtern ” We have marvelous Art House where are a lot of concerts. Actors like to come to Kaliningrad. They think our audience is educated and understanding but a little reserved. You can notice it in the street. It’s interesting, we can call neither this city German nor Russian. What’s its ethnicity? It’s simply unique. It’s worth finding it out by yourself and making your own decision.
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